Chelsea have defeated European champions Paris Saint-Germain to emerge victorious in FIFA’s Club World Cup – with Donald Trump observing from the stands.
The US president presented the Chelsea players with their winners’ medals and the Club World Cup trophy after the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Mr Trump also awarded PSG their runners-up medals.
The French team, despite being heavy favorites, found themselves 3-0 down within 43 minutes.
Their hopes further plummeted as they ended the game with 10 men following an incident where midfielder Joao Neves pulled Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella’s hair in the 85th minute.
Donald Trump gives Cole Palmer his winner’s medal. Pic: AP
Chelsea’s standout player Cole Palmer netted two nearly identical goals in the 22nd and 30th minute, providing the West London side with a two-goal lead early in the match.
The English star then assisted Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, who chipped the ball over PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to secure a three-goal advantage just before half-time.
PSG made a strong start in the second half and came close to reducing the deficit in the 53rd minute, but a shot from Ousmane Dembele was expertly saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Sanchez put in a stellar performance throughout the game for the West London side.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, centre, celebrates with his teammates. Pic: Reuters
Cole Palmer celebrates after the final whistle. Pic: Reuters
After receiving a standing ovation from Chelsea fans, goal scorer Joao Pedro was substituted for Liam Delap in the 67th minute. Delap nearly made an immediate impact with a shot from outside the area, but Donnarumma made a crucial save.
Post-match, there was a significant altercation on the pitch involving players from both teams.
PSG coach Luis Enrique was seen grabbing at Pedro’s neck during a confrontation with Chelsea players.
Joao Pedro falls to the ground clutching his face. Pic: Reuters
PSG coach Luis Enrique after his side’s defeat. Pic: Reuters
The pre-match festivities, such as a performance from Robbie Williams and a US Air Force flyover, ran over schedule, causing a delay in kick-off.
A halftime musical medley featuring J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Chris Martin from Coldplay was staged at the 82,500-seater stadium as the pitch was watered due to the high heat.
Post-match, Mr Trump also awarded Sanchez the best goalkeeper accolade, Palmer the golden ball trophy for the tournament’s best player, and PSG’s Desire Doue with the silver ball trophy for the second-best player of the tournament.
The Club World Cup has stirred controversy, with critics expressing concerns about its impact on the football calendar and the players’ health, particularly as the featured teams often compete in multiple knockout competitions until the later stages.
Mr Trump presents Desire Doue with the silver ball trophy. Pic: AP
From left: First Lady Melania Trump, Donald Trump, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his wife Leena Al Ashqa in the stands. Pic: AP
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mpappe expressed concerns about the extensive number of games played in a year, emphasizing the importance of respecting players’ health amidst the demanding schedule.
«I think we have to respect the health of the players,» the Frenchman reiterated.